World No. 1 pickleball star returns to Manila for December showdown

Pickleball superstar Anna Leigh Waters returns to Manila for December spectacle.

World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters will headline "IAM EXPERIENCE: Anna Leigh Waters" on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Organizers announced the event on Thursday, November 5.

The program starts at 3:00 PM, with gates opening earlier.

The afternoon will feature exhibition matches, interactive activities, musical performances, and celebrity guests.

This marks Waters' second visit to the Philippines in just three months.

She first arrived in mid-October for a debut tour that drew packed crowds of local players, junior athletes, and sports fans.

On October 15, 2026, she appeared at a press conference at the Dusit Thani Manila, where she announced she would return in December.

Waters said the warmth and enthusiasm she found in the country made coming back an easy decision.

She said she looked forward to sharing the court with thousands of Filipino fans.

Organizers moved the event to the Big Dome after strong demand following Waters' first visit.

"The moment Anna Leigh Waters stepped onto Philippine soil last October, the clamor from fans and players was electric," IAM Worldwide said in a statement.

"We quickly realized that an ordinary venue simply wouldn't suffice."

"Moving this showcase to the Smart Araneta Coliseum was an easy decision driven entirely by the overwhelming public demand."

"We want to ensure that as many fans as possible have the opportunity to witness the world's greatest pickleball player in action, live."

The 19-year-old American sensation has been the all-time women's pickleball pro title record holder since October 2022, when she was just 15.

She has also been the undisputed pickleball pro title record holder since November 2025, after eclipsing doubles partner and men's world No. 1 Ben Johns.

Waters won her unprecedented 200th career title at the 2026 PPA Veolia Chicago Cup last October.

She is already part of TIME100's Most Influential People in Sports.

"Pickleball is more than just a game to me," Waters said in a video release.

"It's speed, focus, and endurance, all in one."

"That's why I am more than willing to support a community that values performance and wellness together."

"Let's celebrate sports, health, and the power of staying strong together," added the teenage prodigy.

Waters serves as IAM Worldwide's Global Sports Ambassador.

The brand is committed to promoting fitness, active living, and overall wellness through sports and nutrition.

The partnership comes as pickleball continues to grow rapidly across Southeast Asia.

Ticket pre-sales for registered IAM Worldwide members open on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

General ticket release follows on Monday, November 9, 2026.

Admission is free with the purchase of designated IAM Worldwide product packages.

Tickets can be redeemed at the company's Head Office and authorized branches nationwide.

For more information on ticket redemption, product packages, and event updates, fans may visit IAM Worldwide's official social media pages.

The December 9 showcase is expected to draw thousands of fans to the legendary Araneta Coliseum.

Waters' rapid return to the Philippines signals the explosive growth of pickleball in the region.

The sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen a surge in popularity across the United States and now internationally.

Waters has been the dominant force in professional pickleball since her teenage years.

She currently holds the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Her October visit included stops at packed sports apparel stores in Taguig and Makati from October 13 to 15.

Passionate Filipino fans arrived in droves to meet the global face of pickleball.

The December event promises to be significantly larger, with the Big Dome's capacity allowing for a crowd far exceeding the October gatherings.